Travel Lens Protection

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I have a two week trip to Lisbon, Portugal and Luanda, Angola coming up and I decided I did not want to take a camera bag, and wanted to take them in a standard backpack. The problem with a standard backpack is they do not offer padding like a photo backpack, but they are thinner and don't look like a photo backpack. I tinkered with the thought of getting a Think Tank Shape Shifter, but with limited pouches, I could not take what I wanted. So this post will be a review of how I am padding my lenses to go in a standard backpack.

I have reviewed the Op/Tech USA Lens Sleeve and LensCoat Hoodie before (Nikon 50mm Lens Protection, Nikon 14-24mm Lens Protection, Nikon 24-70mm Lens Protection), but I decided that this was not enough padding, and Op/Tech USA does not have a Lens Sleeve longer than 6", so a no go for my 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII, so here is what I used.

Op/Tech USA Snoot Boot (Large 3.6"D x 9"L)
Domke Protective Wrap (Large 19")
LensCoat LensPouch (Extra Large Wide 5" x 11")

I first started with the Op/Tech USA Snoot Boot and put the lens inside.  The lens was loaded with the lensmount towards the opening.  I then closed the drawstring as tight as possible.  This was a perfect fit.

Then I take the lens in the Snoot Boot and wrap it tight in the Domke Protective Wrap.  I start with the lens towards one of the corners and roll it until I get to the other end.

Once the lens is rolled in the wrap, I fold the ends as tight as possible, and it looks somewhat like a burrito when complete.

I will then drop the burrito lens inside the hood trying to get the front of the lens tight in the hood.  It is a good idea to do this to protect the glass.  Even if you shoot without the hood, the hood still serves as a rigid protective band around the lens.

I now drop the lens in the LensCoat LensPouch and tighten the string.  The thing I love about this is the double layer of neoprene, which has a rubber layer for water/moisture resistance.

The lens and hood alone weigh 3lb 7oz, and with the protection, 4lb 3oz.  So 12oz for three layers of protection for those of you that pack light.  Worth it in my opinion.

Now I typically order my photo gear from Adorama or B&H Photo (or Amazon for Prime 2 day shipping), but my newest shopping addition is Outdoor Photo Gear.  I placed an order for two LensCoat LensPouches, and they were shipped out the same day, arriving two days later.  They are currently offering free shipping and $5.00 of your next order when you sign up for their newsletter.  I had an extremely positive experience, and actually prefer to order from them if they have what I need due to the speed of their delivery.  They even included a thank you note in with the shipment.  Top notch!

See the Photo Gallery for more pictures